National Sports

DALLAS — Denis Shapovalov has advanced to the semifinals of the Dallas Open. The product of Richmond Hill, Ont., beat Czechia's Tomas Machac 7-6 (7-5), 6-0 in their quarterfinal match on Friday.

WINNIPEG — With less than a third of the current season left, Gabriel Vilardi is already enjoying his best campaign ever as an NHLer. Vilardi scored two goals to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 4-3 triumph over the New York Islanders on Friday.

GUELPH, Ont. — Max Namestnikov scored 1:10 into overtime as the Guelph Storm edged the North Bay Battalion 5-4 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action.

WHISTLER, B.C. — Embyr-Lee Susko wiped tears from her eyes as she waved to the crowd at the luge world championships on Friday. The 19-year-old Susko had blasted down her home track in Whistler, B.C., in 38.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jalen Williams scored 27 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Toronto Raptors 121-109 on Friday night in Chet Holmgren's return from injury .

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Thomas Detry nearly aced the par-3 16th hole and shot a 7-under 64 in the second round to take a two-shot lead lead in the Phoenix Open on Friday.

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Three-time champion Jin Young Ko birdied six of her last nine holes Friday for an 8-under 63 and a two-stroke lead over four players in the LPGA Tour's Founders Cup.

MONTREAL — The UFC is returning to Montreal after a 10-year absence. The mixed martial arts promotion says the Bell Centre will host UFC 315 on May 10. It will mark the UFC's eighth show in Montreal and 35th overall in Canada, spread among 11 cities.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks traded depth defenceman Mark Friedman to the Nashville Predators for future considerations Friday.

It's been a decades-long tradition in North America, but a Canadian professor of sport management says it might be time to re-examine the legitimacy of national anthems being played before games.